Atlantic Salmon

(Salmo salar)

Norwegian salmon, Scottish salmon, Atlantiese salm

1. What is it?

Atlantic salmon (Salmo salar) are predatory fish that spend the first part of their lives in freshwater streams before migrating out to the ocean as adults. They return to their freshwater streams of birth to spawn. Their stock status is currently unknown.

2. How was it caught or farmed?

Atlantic salmon is farmed in open-net pens (cages) anchored to the seafloor. Atlantic salmon requires low-to-moderate feed inputs, with the majority of the feed components being traceable. The use of cages does lead to a moderate waste discharge with resulting negative environmental impacts. There is a high risk of fish escaping which could resulting in the spreading of disease or alteration of the gene pool. There are regular disease outbreaks reported in both Norway and Scotland which could negatively affect the wild salmon populations

Where is it from?

Aquaculture of Atlantic salmon is widespread along coasts and fjords of Norway as well as Scotland. The regulatory measures in both countries is considered to be largely effective Some producers are taking part in the Global Salmon Initiative (GSI) which addresses issues in salmon farming focusing on bio-security, global standards and feed improvement. A number of Norwegian producers and some Scottish producers are certified as sustainable by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council (ASC).

2. Aquaculture (cages), Imported - Norway & Scotland

Atlantic salmon is farmed in open-net pens (cages) anchored to the seafloor. Aquaculture of Atlantic salmon is widespread along coasts and fjords of Norway as well as Scotland. The regulatory measures in both countries is considered to be largely effective A number of Norwegian producers and some Scottish producers are certified as sustainable by the Aquaculture Stewardship Council.

About SASSI

Started in 2004, SASSI was established to drive change in the local seafood industry by working with suppliers and sellers of seafood, as well as informing and inspiring consumers to make sustainable seafood choices.